ULAN BATOR, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Seven new measles cases were confirmed in Mongolia over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases nationwide to 15,389, the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) reported on Thursday.
The newly confirmed cases were recorded in Ulan Bator, the national capital, which is home to about half of Mongolia's 3.5 million population, said the NCCD.
Since the start of the current outbreak, a total of 20 measles-related deaths have been reported across the Asian country, the center said.
The NCCD urged individuals who have not yet been vaccinated against measles to get immunized in order to protect themselves and their families.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
Common symptoms include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflamed eyes. The disease can be effectively prevented through vaccination. ■
